visit to the dentist vocabulary

At the dentists

Should you need to visit the dentists during your stay, some of these phrases will be necessary.

At the reception

Having your teeth examined, dental treatment.

Sound is available for all the English phrases on this page — simply click on any phrase to hear it.

Support our work

Help us to improve this site by becoming a supporter on Patreon. Benefits include the removal of all ads from the site and access to the Speak Languages Discord channel.

Become a supporter

© 2023 Speak Languages OÜ

Privacy policy   ·   Terms of use   ·   Contact us

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Bahasa Melayu

English vocabulary for going to the dentist

by Adriana Stein

Published on January 23, 2021 / Updated on November 10, 2022

Learning the most common words and phrases to get help when you’re sick is one of the most important benefits of learning a language. When it comes to the dentist, not knowing what to say once you’re there and not understanding your dentist’s advice is especially frustrating – and even potentially life-threatening! 

Don’t wait to develop a toothache to brush up on your English vocabulary for visiting the dentist. Most dentists recommend going for a routine dental check-up twice a year anyway, so you can practice using this dentis vocaulary and phrases while your teeth are healthy. 

Start your journey to reach fluency

Vocab words and phrases you’ll need for a visit to the dentist.

In case you need to visit a dentist, the following words and phrases help you describe your symptoms and understand the dentist’s instructions and recommendations.

Quick note: if you’re having trouble with other parts of your body and need to visit a doctor instead, take a look at this u seful vocabulary for doctor’s visits.

Parts of your mouth

Your mouth has many parts with different medical names. Most of time when you visit the dentist, you’ll only speak about your teeth. However, to help you understand from a visual perspective, we’ve added this graphic of the mouth. These words are helpful when describing your symptoms or when understanding your dentist’s recommendations, especially if they slip into medical dental jargon.

If you’re in doubt about the correct word to use, you can also just point to the area that hurts or feels uncomfortable and ask the dentist to look there (I actually do this anyways even in my home country, because it’s easier).

Dental symptoms

If you’re not just at the dentist for a teeth cleaning, you’ll need to describe the symptoms you’re experiencing in order for the dentist to diagnose the problem. You can use the phrases below to clarify the issue:

Common dental problems

Once your dentist has finished the examination, they will explain the issue and how it can be treated. Some of the most common dental problems are as follows:

Dental procedures and treatments

There are a wide variety of regular and specialised dental treatments. This table provides a dental word list your doctor might use when explaining such dental procedures:

Types of dentists and other related health practitioners 

After a general checkup, your dentist may recommend you to visit a specialist who can best help with your specific dental problem. Here is a list of words that describe a dentist more specifically and other related health practitioners that you may need to visit:

To mention something super important: the extent to which dental costs are covered by health insurance depends on the location and country at hand. If you’re traveling or living abroad and are new to the healthcare system, make sure you check with your insurance provider about how they handle visits to the dentists in order to avoid or reduce paying for everything on your own.

For more specific details on this, take a look at our country-specific health insurance guides for:

Adriana Stein

Adriana Stein is an Online Marketing Consultant based in Hamburg, Germany. Originally from a small town in Oregon, USA, she decided to move to Hamburg in early 2016 after falling in love with the city during a study abroad.

Mar 26, 2024

54 French words used in the English language

We’ve written a lot of language guides here at Lingoda, but this one might be the crème de la crème....

27 interjections in English to make you sound like a native speaker

Do you want to learn about interjections in English? If your first thought is, “huh?”, you’re already on the right...

Mar 25, 2024

Colors in English: How to describe different hues and shades

From the crisp blues of the morning sky to the reddish shades at sunset, from the bright yellows of the...

Level up your language skills with Lingoda. Take our placement test for free and get started.

• All Lessons
• business english
• comprehension
• culture & tips
• expressions
• pronunciation

Speaking English – Going to the dentist

Test your understanding of this English lesson

339 comments.

i love this online lessons its very helpful. thank you.

I love go to dentist. And I have a appointment tomorrow.

I like the way you say “mm-ham” lol :p

OMG I adore u u’re so funny, honestly u’re the best teacher eva. Btw I really enjoy the video I learnt many new things, and thx for everything xD

~~> the video was awesome, do I adore the dentist ? not really but I visit him every week =/ to heal my teeth, but he really hurt me everytime and the bad news is xD he never gave me thoes stickers. cuz I’m kinda old for thoes things … poor lil me :(

Thanks teacher Ronnie so much. I love going to dentist, but I rarely go to dentist because of quite expensive price in my country too and my teeth do not have any cavities.

Thanks!!!!!

For me a dentist is more than a health´s professional,He is a beauty´s professional ´coze he leaves teeth more beautiful and clean

I don’t like or hate the dentists we need them anyway they’re really helping to push pain away .. my mom is a dentist I helped her as a dentist assistant for about 3 months actually I didn’t enjoyed that much but I was happy that I could help her when she needed me :) Thanks so much teacher Ronnie you’re the best ^_^ Ghofran,

sorry it’s : I didn’t enjoy :(

Good as always, Roonie.

thanks!!!!!!!!

Great lesson as always Ronnie! Thanks! Changing the subject I have a question: what does “figure out” mean?

Hi, to “figure out” means to think about a problem or situation until you find the answer or to understand why someone behaves the way they do. For example “If I had a map, I could figure it out.”

Thanks Ronnie for the helpful hints for dentist.

Dear Ronnie! Thanks a lot for this funny, but useful lesson. You are a good teacher. You can “keep my attention” during all time when you speak. You have a great Presentation skills)). With love from Russia

I am going to the dentist every six month. Fortunately, often my teeth are not broken.

10 out of 10. Thanks for your explanation.

I am extremely scare to visit dentists! I don’t go to the dentists unless my teeth is in a very serious pain! even though there is free of charges ^_^

Awesome! I like the way you teach! Can you explain something about phrasal verbs? Thanks!

thanks so much my teacher about me i hate to go to the dentist , i scare a lot from him .

Thank you so much!

hate going to the dentist -thx RONNIE

There lessons are very good:)Thanks

Simply Excellent… im from bangladesh and want to learn english well. But ihave problem with my toung and the way i sound. its not a pure voice something embracing me. Can you please help me on this issue.

Thanks and waiting for your valuable advice.

Hi Ronnie. Thanks for the useful lesson. I’m wearing a braces now and it is really hurt. Do you mind answering few question of mine? well, What word do we use to describe when a tooth…well, when we lost a tooth, I mean, when the tooth is no longer stay in my mouth. What word can be used?

Great Ronnie, Very helpful lesson, thanks.

love u , thanks :)

I’ve not gone to the dentist yet Ronnie, i don’t know hate or like it ;)

thanks for your lesson dear Ronnie, so much…

Thanks Ronnie , I like going to the dentist :)

If you have a cavity, the dentist uses a _____________ to fix the problem. I chose the GUN )))

You have nice teeth Tru False

Dear Ronnie! I have sensitive teeth, so I often make a appointment with dentist every 6 month. I like dentist, because they help me a lot, they always check-up my teeth carefully and give me advice for dental care. Thanks for your lesson, it’s really interesting.

very helpful lesson>>>>>>>>>

GOOD Lesson,Thanks Ronee

Thank you so much for this lesson. I hope that my first visit in dentist in foreign country will be so easy :).

Ronnie, you are wonderful!

Hi Ronnie. How are u? thanks for this interesting lesson. i learned many words whit this lesson.

Thank you! It was very interesting and helpful.

Thank God I’ve always been careful with my health, therefore,I have a pretty smile, HAHA. Thanks a lot for the tips.

Thanks for lesson=)I love my dentist!

ı did 9/10 correct thanks for this lesson

Hello! Ronnie How can I use rid of..

Ms. Ronnie I do think that you’ve had a very strange childhood. Give my best regards to your dentist and say him that all your students are thankful to him because he contributed to make you the funniest teacher ever!! ^_____^

Hello, Ronnie Thank you for good lessons. I love your smile.

thank you Ronnie, good as always :)

You have a wonderful smile. You take care of your teeth. Kind regards

It was a very helpful lesson. Thank you!

Roonie, really you’re unique.

Ronnie, you are the best teacher! I admire you! Thanks for your lessons.

Ronnie, eres una buena maestra, gracia por tu aporte

Thanks for the lesson Ronnie. Aaaaaaaah my gumS are hurting me and I’ve never gotten a cavity and I brush my teeth always! Ronnie I know you’re an English teacher and not a dentist but do you have any idea what is happening. After all they dis take 4 incisors out and I’m getting braces.

The last time i went to see the dentist i false 2 teeth.It is very hurt.The dentist say my gums is very weak also because i use high force to do toothbrush.I take a brush 2 time per day like your recommend but it not enough.The second important thing is the method to do toothbrush.

thank you :)

thanks for the lesson….

thanks..this lesson is great.. by the way i hate going to the dentist

very nice and profesional teacher ,, she is eceptional…

Good lesson Thanks Mrs.Ronnie

Thank you Ronnie :D ! I’m not afraid of visiting the dentist at all. In fact I was thinking of being one, now I’ve finished my baccalaureat but unfortunately I can’t have access to the dentists faculty. However, I still can study what I always loved to, English! And why not being a teacher ^_^! This is really what I always wanted to do.Wish me the good luck :) !

Excellent way to teach, super. But I hate dentists they allthe same and love money. When they look at your face they probably see your tooth as a dollar symbol ($)

Thank you very much Ronnie. I got full scores 100 !!!. I appreciate your help :)

Hi. Rani your lesson’s are very useful to me. Now, I am feeling difference in my grammar after watching your lessons. However, I am always confused how to use would have and would in sentences and especially when I have two options whether to use will or would. Could you please help me.

Great and Lovely teacher … thanks

To be honest, I hate going to the dentist! It was always a bad experience to me when I was a kid…Too much pain! Here in Brazil it’s very expensive too, Ronnie! By the way I laughed a lot with you in this lesson, Ronnie…( each time you put your tongue out of your mouth to pronounce the word tooth and teeth..:) ) Thank you, Ronnie, you are great! (as alwways)

yes, you’re right Jane S.:)

Hi, Adam!!!! I don’t believe it’s you…

It’s me, your fb friend:)hehe

I never learned about dentist as I learned watching this video. THANK YOU! Lovely teacher!

You’re amazing teacher Ronnie

thanx ronie

easy and funny for lean.

i have got 90 thank you teacher.

Thank u 4 this lesson

first i need to say that you give me confidence to speak English. i just follow you and i liked your style soo much.. you are talented and gorgeous teacher regards

Hi Ronnie, I hate going to the dentist!Thanks!

I love this page! Ronnie, your lesson is so useful! Thanks:))

That’s good thanks a lot :)

you’re the best. :) I.L.Y

Hi Ronnie! You’re the best:)

“i have a toothache, i make an appoiment with my dentist tomorrow”. i love this lesson. thank you verry much.Ronnie

hi Ronnie i`m an english teacher in an arab country so i find many difficulties to do real conversation in english i always listen to english ” specially engvid ” to improve my listening skills but after a short time i forget what i`ve learnt especially your lessons about slang english . can you please tell me what i should do ?

It was a great video Mrs.Ronnie. I hate going to the dentist but my teeth loves when I am spending more money on it. It makes me go always :)

thank u my teacher Ronnie and i get mor advantage in this lesson and i liked how to explain the lesson, u smile,funyy and other things anyway u r the star of the teachers <3

thank u so much aal of u ie engvid group,but in this lesson we need anymore phrases or vocabularies than u

Ronnie you are great. I love dentist too….

this was the best be cause i wanna meet the dentist in next week … thanks

Thanx… I love this lesson

Thanks a lot Ronnie, you are a wonderful teacher.

These lessons are wonderful, and this teacher is very funny!

Ronnie,I have been gone through all the things mentioned in your dentist class!Thank you very much,and keep going.

If you toothache maybe you suffer excessvie internal heat，make you gums swelling. Ronnie, Thanks.. wonderful teacher.

Hi Ronnie, expensive dentist care is a global matter!

I love your way of teaching Ronnie!!!!!

Thank you, it’s very useful.

Such a nice lesson :D Thank you, Ronnie!

Hie Sgmmm, “figure out” means to understand-discover, solve, work out.

I like going to the dentist. She doesn’t hurt me.

Nice lesson. I love my dentist.

thank you Ronnie!

I am a teacher too. Physics teacher in high school. So know well the value of a thank you for their efforts. We are professionals, we gain by what we do, but it is very good to help others learn. You help me immensely. Thank you for the effort. (And sorry for my poor English yet!)

Dental services in Vietnam are very cheap and not much painful. In spite of that, I hate going to the dentist because I can’t stand the noise of drill and pliers.

Try earplugs ?

I love going to dentist. thank you! you’re very good and a nice teacher and your lessons are very helpful.

I love your lessons, Ronnie. I hate dentists.

I love to go to the dentists twice a year.

After that, I ran to clean my teeth.

This is my first time here. I loved the Ronnie’s way of teach. Thanks.

i love you ronnie thank you so much for help

it’s very useful thank u !

I like your class, but dentist is the worst place.

Ronnie your a lady- genius, thank you for this class !

That was very good and helpful! Keep doing this great job!

Hi, Ronnie. I have been in Canada for almost one year and I have seen many dentists who take a lot of money. But luckily, I found a dentist who charge you cheaply. A cavity may cost you either $90 or $120.

I love your lessons, you’re very funny… ;)

you are very good teacher أنت معلم جيد جدا

you are very good teacher انت معلمة جيدة

thanks a lot ronnie

Nice video, thank you Ronnie!!!

Great!!! Very useful, thanks a lot, Ronnie.

It is easy to understand and very interesting :D

Thank you very much.

I got 100 % ( I love dentist because he solved many problem in my teeth I made 3 Filling + one cap + tartar it was really fun

Thanks $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Love this classes!!! thanks to all of you guys for this gorgeous lessons. Ronnie love the way you teach

what’s a difference between drilling and digging ???? :)

Hey Engvid .I would keep on contact with some teachers here ..thanks a lot …Mark!

i realy like ur presentation skill :)

I love , thnx

Nice Video Ronnie

Hello Herobrine

Notch, man. I’m a big fan of your game! :P

i’m happy for you

Nice lesson Ronnie… I love dentist… And i love your teaching skills too….

I like it I got 900 % thank you so much

thank you so much

Ronnie, thank you! I also thank all the other teachers… Have a nice day! Ciao!!!

thank you Ronnie, you helped me a lot, I love going to dentist!

thanks for giving information about the dentist ,i will keep it in my mind and one thing also i want to share that this way of learning is very good since in this way we can memories lot of English words very easily . So i am happy ………….

hello, what a subject to talk about, the pain of beeing sick of teeth,,, please don’t talk about it again,,, just kidding

what a skillful teacher you are . I’m an English teacher ,too . Id like to get the best way to keep the attention of my dear students and to help them enjoy their English lessons . thanks in advance

I’m english student (intermediate) and I’m very happy in meet you. Your class is incredible!

Thanks Ronnie for having such wonderful session for all of us who want to learn or improve our English. I love the way act in these videos, that makes me remember so amny things. I want help of Engvid on how to remember the spellings of the words. I find very challenging to remember to write them. Any help is highly appreciated.

I hate going to a dentist , I actually cannot stand any doctor :p Thank you for the interesting lesson you have such a funny manner in teaching , ♥

Hi Ronnie! my name is laura and i´m confused when you use, “would, want, want to, and the questions with want” can you help me? Thank´s so much, your videos taught me a lot!

thank you so so soooooo much my teacher Ronnine.

Really like you! Now I’m not afraid to make an appointment with a dentist aboard:)

Thank you Ronnie, You are a good and funny teacher.

thank you very very much for this good lesson

Thanks very much. Excelent lessons !

I like your crazy method thank you for this lesson ronnie

Hey Ronnie , Can you please make a video on how to use come came become became pleaseeeee ??/ And You’re a great teacher :D

It’s nice form..!

thank you mam…

Thanks Ronnie for a very good lesson i enjoy studying , but i don,t like going to the dentist :(

Thanks very much for your lesson. I’ve experienced the first time going to dentist when I’m 12th grade. It’s very painful so that I really really hate the dentist. The fee is not so high. Al most Vietnamese not check their teeth twice a year so that Vietnamese doesn’t have a good teeth.

Thanks Ronnie for this lesson , I like your funny way and How you explain , Go on !

Thanks Ronnie, I got 10 out of 10. I have learned a lot with these lessons.

Hello,I’m so happy for being here.This site is very usful for those who ‘re learning English language.My name is Mohamed from Egypt.I’m studying at Univrsity.I like poetry&literature,my best poets ever is Emily Dicknson .:)

Very many good and funny lesson :) I do not love going to the dentist, but I do not feel fear to :)

Thanks for lessons =)

Thank you Ronnie. I also want to know how to answer the phone on business.

Thank you so much, Ronnie. You are a good teacher.

thank you!!

Thank you, Ronnie!

You are so funny. The way you teach help me learn quickly. Thank you Ronnie :)

Thanks! I love to go to dentist!

Thank you Ronnie I got 90%

Let’s go to dentist!

Let’s go to the dentist!

hey ronnie you rock you are the best teacher i really like you’r way of teaching thank you ;)

Very useful video from romie. I Should visit the dentist!

You are very funny and I always enjoy your lesson. Thank you to make me laugh and the lesson was useful.

Thank you Ronnie for thies lesson, you know, I think I should go to the dentist. I had been on treatment for a long time and sometimes it is so painful.

Roni give your skype id i want to make my speaking good my skype id is fsgichki

Thanks Ronnie,really your videos very helpful.

Hi Ronnie, I must say that my students and I love your lessons! They’re funny, useful, right to the point! As for the visit to the dentist, I can think of much better activities but it needs to be done once in a while, doesn’t it? Thanks for doing such an excellent job!!!

Hey Ronnie , I want to say something to you …… I have a strong feeling that you are dentist too because when you were explaining about dentist . I understood it clearly without any doubt and that’s why I got full marks. But that also means that you are really good teacher and that you are. I loved you lesson:)

Thanks a lot of.

I would like to go to the dentist if my mom buy me a toy when I was a child. Since I’m a adult now, so I really cannot find a reason to make me like to go to the dentist…

———————————- Ha ha. This question and answer is really funny:

If you have a cavity, the dentist uses a _____________ to fix the problem. A. hammer C. facebook D. gun

Hi everybody, please are there any differences between british, american and canadian english ?

Thank´s Stan

hi Ronni you , you great teacher and this lesson is very useful thank you

Dear Ronnie, Hello My Name is Nastaran. You can call me “Nas”. I really really enjoy your lessons. I love them and actually, “I Love you” :* Every day, I go to EngVid and listen to your lessons and sometimes, I make note of them. Now,I want to suggest to you a lesson about “Beauty Parlor”. I really have problem in this part! ;) Thanks

It is such a pleasure to listen to your lessons, Ronnie! Thank you very much!

I hate the dentist because I have panic to go to the dentist actually I didn’t go to dentist befor

Thank you Ronnie , I love this lesson but I hate dentist ~

Rebecca you are so funny! I love you. Ahahahah

ops sorry, Ronnie, it’s late I need to sleep. :)

I hate dentists! But thank you for the lesson)

well, this is a really interesting lesson! The quiz is nice 2

Thank you. You’re amazing.

when i was child,I and my sister was often going to dentist by my grand father.I was every time alost about to die..;;\ since I hated dentist.LOL;

I love this lesson… really you are great teacher thank you…

I LIKED SO MUCH THIS LESSON, HERE, I FOUND MANY WORDS THAT I HAVE NOT KNOWN, BUT WHIT YOUR HELP, I COULD LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DENTIST… AT COLOMBIA, IN THIS MOMENT, WE NEED TO DO A LOT OF TRANSACTIONS FOR GET A DATE WITH THE DENTIST. BUT I LIKE DO IT :D

I like the session

ihatd dentist too

Thanks!! I hate dentist too.

Thanks a lot….i really like this video….but a i hate the dentist..lol.i have suffered a lot when i was a child.

Thanks a lot Ronnie.I need to see my orthodontist a lot more than the dentist as I have braces.

Can anyone tell me how can I see the videos I can’t see any video options here

you should look for the teachers, select one of this then in the right side you will select whatever you want

is your brother Wayne Rooney?

Thank you, Ronnie! I love your lessons!

Thank you Ronnie

If you love go to the dentist you are a masochist. Or you like drugs… It might be. It’s funny, dentist are sectary around the entire world.

thank you, Ronnie

i like your leasonses

Hey Ronnie! actually going to dentist is free for college students here ;) but i haven’t tried it yet! your advice caused me to brush my teeth more ;) thanks dear.

thank you alot teacher you make the English very easy

Unfortunately, I go regularly to the dentist to get straight teeth. Thanks for the lesson, Ronnie. You are very kind!!!

i hate the dentist , but i’ll look back about this after this lesson . i love your lessons Ronnie ♥

I like your lessons too much.However I would like to make the following comment: “some of the quiz questions are not really related to (dentist)vocabulary.”

thank your very kind i love to watch your lessons

I thank you very much,so much,pretty so much,indeed,in fact,in addition and so on.:)

Good class!Make an appointment at least twice a year!

Thank you so much ronnie you are always the best,i’ve really ejoyed the lesson as always , and have never visited a dentist so i have no reason to hate them :)

I love you Ronnie.I understand the lesson.I’ll be good in english with you.

Dear teacher, thank you very very much that to teach very useful lesson. I hope that i can improve my English with your Lesson. Thanks thanks again. By the way i like to go to dentist

ohhh yeee))) 10 from 10) thnx Ronnie)) detist is dangerous job) but anyway i like them)

I LOVE GOING TO DENTIST 9 OF 10 :)

thank you for the lesson Ronny i really enjoy it :) i am a tooth maker and i love dentist

thanks ronnie for the effort that you put in making so wonderful lessons.I like dentist

Thank you very much excellent lesson

I like your way to teach English I understand more and more

thanks a lot

I like go to dentist. I dislike drill noisy. :(

Thanks, Ronny. It seems I have toothache :-)

What’s the matter? I’m a dentist…nobody loves me….

Ronnie with you as the dentist is not scary:):) Thanks

80% true when i test this lesson

Hi Ronnie you are doing very gratful thing. to learn some one language to communicate with other

I hate dentist. Thank you great teacher Ronnie(^O^)

Ronnie you are so brilliant ,smart and clever to teach others your presentation is fine , I love you from my heart , my teach for ever . Thanks so much

i love this online lessons its very helpful. thank you. i learned too much new vocabulary

Thanks Ms Ronnie. I got 80%.

Thanx a lot Ronni , i really enjoyed the lesson

Thank you,Ronnie :-)

Ronni …..I relly adore you as a teacher, my Allah bless you forever ,

Thanks a lot

Really I don’t like going to dentist its very annoying . but also we can’t loud this pain

Can we also say to book an appointment? or it has to be only make an appointment?

Thank you, and great lesson Ronnie.

I love dentist too!! i don’t know why.. :p

c’mon if somebody out there enjoy goin to the dentist, u better go ahead n make an appointment w the psychologist, I hate goin to the dentist, I hate the drill

Hi Ronnie, thank you so much for your wonderful English lessons! I have a problem with this words: although,though,thought,tought,trew. OMG OMG it’s a storm in my brain!!! I know what they mean, but I have a BIG problem when I see one of them. I stop and stare…and stare again… and I don’t know what word is and what pronunciation should I use, I don’t know why :-?? Help me please! Thanks! You are a great teacher, you’re THE BEST!!! Your student Gabriel Miloiu, from Romania! :) P.S. Nice Tooth. I’m Dentist by the way :D

I wish you were MY english teacher I like the way you teach. :)

HLLO:teacher Ronnie,you are so funy. Iam new but Iloved all your lectcurs Thank you alot.

GREETING, RONNIE, I WOULD LIKE TO MEET YOU ON SKYPE, I NEED TO LEARN MORE FROM YOU. MY SKYPE NAME IS: francois.davichen

I THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! BEST REGARDS,

The best English teacher in the world!!!!!!

Ronnie Ronnie Ronnie i love U you are the best

Thanks a lot Ronnie It’s an useful lesson take care

Thanks Ronnie , you’re the best .

Hello Ronnie! My husband dentist is called: The Butcher of Eight Mile. She left half root and a nerve and a lot of pain too. So like Ronnie says X-rays become very useful. So once she found out she left something inside my husband’s gums she butcher him.

good lesson ronnie.. in my country cost less teeth services :-)

I really hate going to the dentist, I remember when I was a chaild I went to the dentist, I was happy before going into. When I finally entered and I lay down, I could see that my dentist was very ungly and she was also very bad, because she broke my gums with a drill, I was bleeding and crying because it hurt a lot, Since that time, I have not gone to the dentist…. In fact, I have 7 cavities but I don’t like going to the dentist because I feel scared.

On the other hand, I want to tell you that you are a great teacher, and I would like to see class with you in Canada. I live in Venezuela, and when I graduate, I will go there to study English…. Thanks Roonie, you’re the best.

OMG, go to the dentist! Seriously. Ask your friends to recommend someone they trust.

I’ve never gone to the dentist in my life. I’m so lucky to have very strong teeth.Haha

Thanks,I’ll brush my teeth!

Hi Ronnie,I can’t imagine that there is a person do love going to dentist..for me I HATE IT.. 3 months ago I had my molar removed I was crying during the surgery it was PAINFUL, but after finishing, the dentist showed me my teeth with a full image at a screen they were beautiful lol!. Thanks for the lesson 100%at the quiz but I didn’t get the meaning of “sore” can you explain it for me please?

Oh I forget to tell you that I love when you do “mmmmaapp” with your lips it’s funny and you do it a lot :)

the lesson is fantastic . This is what i expected . i hope you have more lesson like that!

I am dentist and Ms Ronnie love me

PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE TO ADMIN I see mistakes in giving result. I see my selected option is shifted to another during the result generation of the quiz. That may cause effect on wrong answers. And i hope you could survey on this and make improvement. Thank you :)

Thanks! We’ll see if we can get to the bottom of this. Does it happen with all quizzes, only some, or just this one?

It happens with some quizzes. Thanks in advance.

thank you,it is very useful

i hate visiting dentists but i really like your way in teaching english funny ronnie , i just can thank you guys all of you i love u all . i would like to know the usage of what and which at the beggining of questions

I hate going to the dentist because it hurt thanks for this lesson Ronnie.

i love this lesson it can help me so much thans

Thank you Ronnie my great teacher ever. You’re really a great inspiration for me cause you always make my English improve.

Tank you for the lesson! )

i love this online lessons its very helpful. thank you :)

Thanks ronnie so much

Thank you Ronnie.I never had fun in my English subjects when i was a student.It is only you made me change about it.

YEAAAAAHHHHHHHHH

brush your teeth and don’t need to me ;)

So funny and helpful :)

Thxxx roooonnnie y love your waaaay….love uuuuuu

you are very funny teacher. I like your stile of speaking. I like this lesson. Thakns for it!!!!

I like it .Thank you Teacher Ronnie. :D

I hate going to the dentist; he hurts me too much; he is terrifying; and he requirs a lot of money; but I’m obliged to visit him.

I hate too, but thanks , it was a very useful lesson

oo i hate go to dentist but that,s good to learn these words. Thanks Ronnie you are so sweet

Thank you Ronnie. I love your lesson. You are a great teacher.

thanks ronnie. i love the dentist because he is comfort me.from the pain of teeth.

I hate going to the dentist . It’s very scary thanks. :)

Thanks for your videos.

Thank you so much, teacher! I don’t like going to the dentist because I have to keep open my mouth for a long time. However, they are very kind. I like that. Thank you, Ronnie. See you later.

Hi Ronnei , I had a tooth out two weeks ago it was very very pinfull yet i have pain all around my gums,about a month and half ago,i started with a really bad toothache and i also took some painkiller but in the end i went to the dentist… Ronnie i love you and your useful lesson Good luck.

I have one problem I study English now most difficult things for me when I take new vocabulary I can’t use it in the sentence and also when I won’t read it I can understand what this word mean in this sentence please help me to improve my languish

I started watching today and I’m satisfied. Can you give me some tips to improve my conversation? Thank Ronnie :)

As you asked it, here I go with my comment about like or dislike to go the dentist.I can resume my like to attend to the dentis with a short story, this was some day when I discovered that one of my teeth had a cavity,so I have to go to the hospital and there were a cute girl who was the dentist, she fixed the problem without any pain, my tooth looks “beatiful” and it´s very functional nowsday…¡¡ Thanks Ronnie for every single lesson and by the way I am a weird guy like you..A big hug, and A big kiss to Canada, I love it

What do you call that drug before drilling?

And thank you for this amazing lesson

i hate the dentist because they are ugly

Thanks a lot, Ronnie. You are the best teacher I ever had.

Dear Ronnie! Thank you so much. You are a great teacher. With love from Russia

Your lesson is easy to understand which is crucial thing for beginners… Thank you so much!!!

thank you, your course is awesome

I hope I have a friend the same as you Ronni???

I hate dentists coz I have bad experiences with me ?????the took off one of my original teeth by mistake , it was horrible I can’t forgive them

I was wondering who answered letter c at number 8? lol ?

Very helpful these lessons are

I love all the lessons they are very iteresting and useful.

Hi ) l need someone to speak English who can help me)

I want to learn english

I love Ronnie’s leson! :D

hhhhhhhhhhhhh i hate dentists coz they cost me a lot of money *_*

THANKS RONNIE IT’S VERU USEFUL i love going to the dentist too <3

Lots of people currently living in the US or Canada are going to Belarus where they put in the whole mouth of implants for just 10k$ and 3-4 days. Pretty high quality dentistry by the way and low accompanying expenses. I recomend

I don.t like dentist.but I like white and nice teeth.I like the word tartar?

Actually I hate to going to the dentist because my brother has a bad experience with his doctor when he was a child his teeth have a cavity and the dentist drilled a hole in his teeth and he cried out in pain

Thanks, I lost one tooth. :)

8 out of 10 thanks!

Dear Ronnie You like going to the dentist …mmm You are really weird here in lima everybody hates going to dentist its scary its like a freddys nightmare i mean hearing that disgusting sound of drilling caused by the machine its absolutely terrible and frightening anyway …i just wanna tell you that you re the reason of being connected thanks You so much greetings from surco lima Perú south América earth milky way universe you get it right …….

I have a cavity and I need to make an appointment with a dentist but I did not confidence before I see this lesson. Thanks so much.

I’m going to pay more than 3,000 USD just for one tooth+implant

I love the way you delivered the lesson… so funny and interesting. Thanks a lot, keep up the good work :D

9/10! Good! The dentist is expensive in every country. They want to take all money from your pocket. Haha! We need to brush our teeth twice times every day.

9/10 :)good i hate going to the dentist because i am a child mostly children hate going to the dentist i don’t know why but i never like going to the dentist because i have to promise the dentist to brush my teeth at night :(

and also thanks Ronnie ^_^

When I was a kid, I used to be very scared of the dentist because every time I saw the pliers I wanted to jump out and run away!

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

Visiting the dentist.

Level: Intermediate (B1-B2)

Type of English: General English

Tags: health and wellbeing visiting the doctor/dentist/vet Situation based

Publication date: 29/11/2016

In this dialogue-aided lesson plan, students learn a variety of words and expressions for describing dental equipment and communicating with a dentist in English.

Visiting-the-dentist-Ex5

Be the first to share your thoughts on this lesson

Leave a Comment

Student worksheet

Teacher lesson plan

Download audio

Save lesson to

In this dialogue-aided lesson plan, students learn a variety of words and expressions for describing dental equipment and talking with a dentist.

Visiting-the-dentist.mp3

Make your lessons unforgettable

Did you know that your students can review the target language from our worksheets with our Expemo flashcard app? To let your student know, just enter their email address below (multiple emails can be separated with a comma).

• Free Resources
• 1-800-567-9619
• Subscribe to the blog Thank you! Please check your inbox for your confirmation email. You must click the link in the email to verify your request.
• Explore Archive
• Explore Language & Culture Blogs

A Trip to the Dentist Posted by Gabriele on Jun 29, 2012 in English Vocabulary

When was the last time you went to the dentist? Is it time for another visit?  Here is some information about dentistry and important dentist related vocabulary you might need if you plan to visit a dentist in the English speaking world.

First of all, dentistry is the branch of medicine that focuses on the mouth.  Doctors who practice dentistry are called dentists and in the United States they often work with assistants called: dental hygienists, dental technicians and dental assistants.  These assistants work somewhat like a nurse does for a physician.  Dental hygienists and dental assistants do much of the routine dental cleanings, maintenance, and X-rays.  Dentists are more likely to talk to patients about important dental hygiene, fix broken or chipped teeth, fill cavities, and perform oral surgery.

Dental visit vocabulary: a cavity – a decayed part of a tooth; cavities are filled by the dentist using a drill enamel – the clear shinny outer surface of teeth a filling – covering a tooth or filling a hole in a tooth with a protective material, i.e. gold, silver, or ceramic to floss – to clean between one’s teeth with a thin thread gums – the firm pink area of flesh around teeth and in the mouth a molar – a tooth in the back of the mouth used for grinding/chewing mouthwash – a liquid used for rinsing the mouth a smile – an expression of happiness made with the corners of the mouth turned up (Hopefully you will be smiling when you leave the dentist!) tooth/teeth – the hard, bony enamel-coated structures in the jaws that is used for biting and chewing the tooth fairy – a fairy who is believed to leave a gift under a child’s pillow in exchange for the child’s baby tooth once they have fallen out a toothbrush – a small brush with a long handle used for cleaning teeth toothpaste – a thick moist jell used on a toothbrush for cleaning the teeth whitening – bleaching teeth to make them look whiter

In the United States it is common for people who have dental insurance usually go to the dentist 1-2 times a year.  Many people think it is especially important for young children to go to the dentist this often so they don’t get cavities.  Hopefully next time you go to the dentist you now have some new English vocabulary you can share with the doctor.

Answer to yesterday’s parts of speech exercise: All of the words presented yesterday were nouns except: pro boon which was an adjective and incognito which was used as an adverb.

Build vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and more with Transparent Language Online. Available anytime, anywhere, on any device.

About the Author: Gabriele

Hi there! I am one of Transparent Language's ESL bloggers. I am a 32-year-old native English speaker who was born and raised in the United States. I am living in Washington, DC now, but I have lived all over the US and also spent many years living and working abroad. I started teaching English as a second language in 2005 after completing a Master's in Applied Linguists and a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults' (CELTA). Since that time I have taught ESL in the United States at the community college and university level. I have also gone on to pursue my doctorate in psychology and now I also teach courses in psychology. I like to stay connected to ESL learners around the world through Transparent Languages ESL Blog. Please ask questions and leave comments on the blog and I will be sure to answer them.

Thank you Gabriele for the fantastic post about Dentistry. I really liked the definitions list, a list I feel many dentists should use. In response to your question the last time I went to the dentist was roughly two and half months ago and luckily my teeth had no cavities or fillings!

How to Speak English for Medical Purposes: Dental Check-up

• Business English
• Pronunciation & Conversation
• Writing Skills
• Reading Comprehension
• Resources for Teachers
• TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London
• M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music
• B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music

Visiting the dentist requires a very particular set of English skills. A patient must understand how to respond to a dentist's questions and communicate concerns about their teeth. Learn important vocabulary and study the following authentic dialogue to prepare for your next visit to the dentist.

• gums: the pink tissue connecting your teeth to your jaw
• to recline: to lie or lean back
• open your mouth : (at the dentist) to open your mouth as wide as you comfortably can and leave it open until told otherwise
• inflammation: irritation that is often painful; usually of the gums
• X-rays: an imaging procedure that allows a dentist to see a patient's bones/teeth
• standard procedure: common practice; normal
• cavities : a hold in the tooth resulting from decay
• fillings: used to fill cavities
• superficial: shallow; not deep
• to identify: to find or locate
• tooth decay: rotting of the teeth
• evidence of further decay: signs that the tooth is rotting more
• protective apron: worn by a patient during an X-ray to keep them safe from the rays emitted by imaging equipment
• to drill: to use a special tool to remove bacteria from a cavity in order to prepare it for filling and prevent more decay
• to take care of: to fix or correct a problem
• to get your teeth cleaned: to go to the dentist where they remove plaque (a material coating the teeth) in order to prevent cavities and gum diseases

Dialogue From a Dentist Appointment

The following conversation represents an exchange between a dentist and their patient during a dental check-up. Make sure that you understand the terminology used and expectations of the patient.

Sam: Hello, Doctor.

Dr. Peterson: Good morning, Sam. How are you doing today?

Sam: I'm OK. I've been having some gum pain recently.

Dr. Peterson: Well, we'll take a look. Please recline and open your mouth...that's good.

Sam: (after being examined) How does it look?

Dr. Peterson: Well, there is some inflammation of the gums. I think we should also do a new set of X-rays.

Sam: Why do you say that? Is something wrong?

Dr. Peterson: No, no, it's just standard procedure every year. It looks like you may have a few cavities as well.

Sam: That's not good news.

Dr. Peterson: There are just two and they look superficial.

Sam: I hope so.

Dr. Peterson: We need to take X-rays to identify tooth other decay and make sure that there isn't any between the teeth.

Sam: I see.

Dr. Peterson: Here, put on this protective apron.

Dr. Peterson: (after taking X-rays) Things look good. I don't see any evidence of further decay.

Sam: That's great!

Dr. Peterson: Yes, I'll just get these two fillings drilled and taken care of and then we'll get your teeth cleaned.

English Dialogue in Other Medical Settings

Make sure that you know what to expect from other medical appointments as well so that medical professionals can help you with any problems that you may have.

You'll interact with professionals other than the dentist when you get your teeth checked. Be able to communicate with a dental receptionist and dental hygienist —they will be the first people you talk to during your next dentist appointment.

There are a number of different experiences that you might have during a doctor's appointment. Know how to tell a doctor or nurse about any symptoms or pain you are experiencing and be prepared to answer their questions about your general health as well.

• Dental Receptionist Dialogue for Medical Purposes
• Dental Hygiene Dialogue for English Learners
• English for Medical Purposes - A Physical Examination
• Important Health-Related English Vocabulary
• English for Medical Purposes - Making a Doctor's Appointment
• 40 Common English Idioms
• Joint Pain Terminology and English for Medical Purposes
• ESL: Improve Your English Telephone Skills
• ESL for Medical Purposes
• Practice Restaurant Dialogue for Ordering Food
• Reading Comprehension Dialogues
• Compound Sentence Practice for ESL and EFL Students
• Speaking Strategies for English Learners
• How to Speak to a Customer Service Representative
• Modal Verbs Grammar
• Common Job Interview Questions for ESL Learners

• Online English Lessons -Speak English Fluently
• How to Learn English the Bespeaking Way
• Why Learn Online?
• English One-on-One Lessons
• English Group Lessons
• Job and University Applicants
• English Language Tests and Certificates
• Online IB and Proofreading
• Professional Proofreading and Correction
• English Teachers
• German Teachers
• French Teachers
• Spanish Teachers
• Italian Teachers
• Persian Teachers
• Portuguese Teachers
• Chinese Teachers
• Easy English
• Learning English
• Conversation / Small Talk
• Newsletter Sign-up

Vocabulary for the Dentist in English

How often do you go to the dentist? The dentist is a doctor who cares for your teeth, and it’s recommended that you go to the dentist regularly (again and again). However, if English is not your native language (the language you grew up speaking), then you probably need some vocabulary for the dentist. Going to any doctor can be intimidating (scary, make you feel uncomfortable) if you don’t know what to say once you’re there!

As always, we’re here to help with some important vocabulary for the dentist. Keep reading to find out some of the words you may hear the most when you get your teeth checked out (looked at).

Hopefully you never get a cavity ! But cavities are one of the most common complaints (issues, problems to be unhappy about) that people have with their teeth. A cavity , also called tooth decay, is a damaged (harmed, not perfect) bit of tooth that can turn into small holes in your teeth. Cavities can be caused by a few things, such as eating too many sweets (candy) or sugary drinks, or not taking care of your teeth well enough. I hope you never have a cavity , but if you do, it’s not the end of the world (it’s not the worst thing).

For example:

• She always took very good care of her teeth, so she was surprised when the dentist told her she had a cavity . The dentist said they would repair it with a filling in a week or two, and made an appointment for her to come back.
• When I was a kid, I got a cavity in a baby tooth (the first teeth you grow). Because it was in a baby tooth, my dentist decided not to fix it and rather just wait for the tooth to fall out.

Do you know what the pink skin around your teeth is called? In English, these are your gums . I absolutely hate the German word for gums , Zahnfleisch (literally, tooth meat). I just find that word really gross! But because your gums help to keep your teeth in place, it’s important to know what they’re called in English. It’s always just as important to take care of your gums as it is your teeth. Your dentist will probably ask if you’ve been taking care of your gums and your teeth.

• Having healthy gums is an important part of overall health. Gum disease has been linked to other illnesses, so it’s important to make sure your gums are well cared for.
• His gums were bright red and bled easily, so his dentist told him he had gum disease and needed to start taking care of them. She gave him some easy tips to make sure his gums were healthy.

I have a confession (to admit doing something wrong): I rarely floss . It’s something I can never remember to do! Flossing is an important part of taking care of your teeth. To floss is when you take a piece of string and put it between your teeth and around your gums to remove any small food that is stuck. Flossing helps get food and plaque (a sticky deposit around your teeth) out from between your teeth. Flossing helps preserve your teeth and keeps them healthy. Your dentist will probably ask you how often you floss , so they can get a better idea of the health of your teeth and gums.

• My dentist asked me how often I floss . I lied and said “sometimes,” even though I rarely floss . I think my dentist knew that I wasn’t telling the truth, because he told me to remember to floss every day!
• Her mom takes very good care of her teeth. She brushes her teeth twice a day and flosses in the morning and at night.

If you need to have some work (surgery or repairs) done on your teeth, how do dentists make sure you don’t feel anything? They will inject (to put in your body with a needle) a numbing agent to make sure you don’t feel any pain. When I was growing up and had to get a cavity fixed, we called this numbing agent (substance) Novocaine. However, dentists have started using Procaine instead, because many people were allergic to Novocaine. Procaine will make sure that your mouth is numb (can’t feel anything), so that your dentist can do things such as fix cavities without you feeling any pain.

• When he had to get a cavity fixed, the dentist injected his mouth with Procaine . This was so they could drill his teeth without it hurting him.
• She never liked getting Procaine injected at the dentist, because she didn’t like her mouth being numb. But she knew it was necessary sometimes.

No matter what, I hope you never have to get a root canal . If you have a tooth that is badly damaged, your dentist may have to perform a root canal . A root canal is a medical procedure that is done to save a badly damaged or infected tooth. It is done to keep the tooth from being removed. The area around the root of the tooth (what connects the tooth to the jaw) is cleaned or repaired, then filled. Root canals used to be very painful, but with modern technology, they’re pretty painless nowadays. That’s good at least!

• She was hit in the face with a ball, and one of her teeth was badly damaged. Her dentist recommended that she get a root canal to repair the tooth.
• Unfortunately, one of Steve’s teeth got a very bad infection. His dentist said he would have to perform a root canal in order to fix it. Steve was very nervous that it would hurt, but was surprised that it didn’t hurt at all!

How often do you go to the dentist? Have you had to use any of this vocabulary for the dentist? Share your story with us in the comments below!

Did you like this blog?   Share it with others! Let us know what YOU think!

Check out these other popular blogs:  Internet Vocabulary You Should Know ,  Bar Vocabulary in English ,  5 Podcasts to Listen to If You Want to Improve Your English , or this  Pregnancy Vocabulary in English !

Looking for more  phrases , ways to  use English every day , or  get the conversation started ? Sign up for  our newsletter  or check out the  website !

Share This!

Related posts.

Fighting Vocabulary in English

Dating Vocabulary in English

Home Buying Vocabulary in English: Part 2

Topic: GOING TO THE DENTIST

• Lesson 08: A visit to the Dentist

Back To The Course

Readings – level 2.

• Lesson 01: Dogs and Parks
• Lesson 02: A visit to the Doctor
• Lesson 03: Saint Patrick’s Day
• Lesson 04: Women and Shoes
• Lesson 05: Spring
• Lesson 06: Books are Source of Knowledge
• Lesson 07: Sally’s Children
• Lesson 09: Going to Work
• Lesson 10: Summer
• Lesson 11: Summer Refreshments
• Lesson 12: Making Spaghetti
• Lesson 13: Vacations Abroad
• Lesson 14: Independence Day
• Lesson 15: Fall
• Lesson 16: Judy’s Garden
• Lesson 17: Making a Deposit in your Bank Account
• Lesson 18: Halloween
• Lesson 19: Chritsmas in The United States
• Lesson 20: Winter
• Reading – Level 2

A visit to the Dentist Eva has a terrible toothache today. She wants to see her dentist as soon as possible. She visited her dentist six months ago. She went there for a cleaning and check up. When she visited the dentist everything was all right. Eva is afraid of the dentist’s drill. She does not like the sound it makes. She gets nervous when she hears the drill going. She knows that visits to the dentist can be very expensive if you do not have dental coverage. Some employers offer dental coverage as part of the benefit package. Other employers offer to pay a big percentage of the coverage. Eva has a good job. She works for a financial company on Wall Street so she has a good dental coverage. The dentist is going to see if Eva has a new cavity. Cavities are little holes that bacteria make in your teeth when you don’t brush them. To avoid getting cavities people should brush their teeth three times a day. If the filling of the cavity is gone, the dentist will have to fill the cavity one more time. Eva is nervous. She does not like the idea of getting a new filling because her dentist will have to use the drill to clean the bad part of the tooth. If he has to do that, Eva will ask him to give her a shot of anesthesia so that she does not feel the pain. When Eva leaves the dentist’s office, she will not be able to eat anything for quite some time. document.createElement('audio'); http://easyworldofenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/readings_level2_11b.mp3

The Dentist — a short story for English reading

Michael hates going to the dentist.

And today is no different.

But he has some work to do on his teeth.

Today though, the dentist introduces a brand-new painkiller. It could be just the thing that Michael needs.

Check out my short story, The Dentist, which comes with a full and complete lesson plan that you can use in your English class today.

Take a look below… And tell me what you think.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Do you like to go to the dentist? Why/why not?

What do you dislike about going to the dentist?

What is a psychopath?

Could a dentist be a psychopath? What if he was?

The Dentist

Michael hated it.

He hated sitting in the chair and feeling helpless. The bright light above his head and the clean, hygienic walls that surrounded him.

It all made him feel incredibly uneasy.

“Michael, I can assure you, there is nothing to worry about,” said Mr Crane. He wore his dentist’s white coat and had perfect white teeth. He gazed back at Michael with a relaxed air. Like there was nothing to worry about.

It was all right for him. He wasn’t sitting in the chair. He was not about to have treatment for a new crown to be fitted.

Michael shifted his weight in the chair and grimaced.

“I’m sorry about last time,” he said. “It’s just a stupid fear I have.”

“Fear of going to the dentist?” asked Mr Crane. “Don’t worry about it. I get this all the time from patients.”

He leaned forward. “Some are a lot of trouble, I can assure you.”

He gave Michael an encouraging smile.

This did nothing for Michael’s nerves. He would rather be anywhere else than in this dentist’s chair. He could accept the pain in his tooth. That was much better than sitting here, while Mr Crane drilled into the offending tooth.

“Michael, I have something I want to show you,” said Mr Crane, going to a small tray to the side of the room. He turned and picked up a small glass vial. He raised it to show to Michael. It was filled with a clear liquid.

“This is a new anaesthetic on the market,” he went on. “It is brand new, and only my private students are allowed to have it. The company that makes it wants it to be very secret.”

Mr Crane sat on the stool next to Michael and looked down at him. “But this is an incredible formula. It is probably the best pain-killer on the market.”

The dentist continued to hold Michael’s gaze. “Would you like to try it?”

“I- I don’t want to be any trouble,” said Michael.

But his eyes were fixed on the small vial held between Mr Crane’s finger and thumb.

“It’s no trouble at all,” said Mr Crane. He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Our little secret.”

The thought of being given something so powerful that he would not experience any pain at all sent a calm, soothing feeling through Michael’s nerves. He could feel himself relaxing as if he were already under the influence of the new painkiller.

“Are you sure?” asked Michael.

“No problem,” said Mr Crane.

Michael lay back in the chair while Mr Crane filled the syringe from the tiny bottle. He hummed a small tune as he did it and Michael recognised it as a popular song that was on the radio.

Through the window, he could make out normal life carrying on outside. He heard a bus drive by and the sound of a bell on a bicycle.

People’s voices and children laughing.

Everything was fine. There was nothing to worry about at all.

“Shall we?” said Mr Crane, and he raised the syringe in front of him.

Michael nodded. He would pass by all this pain and torture and not feel a thing. He was so happy. So relieved.

Mr Crane leaned forward. “You’ll just feel a little jab as the needle goes in. Then, nothing to worry about.”

Michael tensed as the needle entered his gum. Yes, very uncomfortable, and ice-cold, but in a few minutes nothing but deep relaxation.

“All done,” said Mr Crane. “I’ll be back in a few minutes and we can begin.”

Michael lay deeper into the chair and half-closed his eyes. The muscles of his arms, legs, his entire body felt relaxed. A warm soothing feeling washed over him and he felt as if all the worries and anxieties he had ever experienced left him for good.

His body was so relaxed that all he could do was breathe. He tried to lift the little finger of his right hand and it felt as if it moved a little but he couldn’t be sure. He forgot about it and allowed the dream-like quality of the anaesthetic to wash over him.

A little nagging thought tapped at his inner-most mind and he tried to move his little finger again.

It felt as if it moved but he could not feel it really move. It was like he imagined it moving only.

He went to move his head to the right to see his hand more clearly. He could not.

A small jab of tension cleared his mind a little, and he tried again. Nothing.

He could not move his head at all.

He took a deep breath of air into his lungs and automatically tried to lift both of his hands. But they stayed on the armrests of the chair like they were glued there.

No resistance. No feeling.

He simply could not move his arms or head at all.

He kicked out, and neither foot moved.

Michael sucked in a chest full of air and went to call out to Mr Crane. No sound came.

He could not move. And he had lost the power to make any sound.

He was paralysed. Stuck to the chair, but wide awake.

A shadow appeared beside him.

“We should be about ready by now,” said Mr Crane.

His voice sounded like an echo and far away.

And where was the nurse? The dental assistant?

There was usually a young woman helping. It was just him and Mr Crane. Why was he alone with him?

The dentist’s face loomed up in front of Michael.

“Shall we see if this new drug has taken effect yet?” he asked.

He had a bright, shiny scalpel in his hand.

Michael tried to scream but no sound came. He just lay in the chair unable to move.

Mr Crane opened Michael’s mouth and jabbed the scalpel against his tongue. A dagger of pain soared through Michael’s mouth and into his brain.

Inside his head, he let out a scream.

“ Let’s get to work then,” said Mr Crane, closing the blind of the window.

Reading Comprehension Questions

Where is Michael?

How does he feel being there?

What specific aspects of the dentist’s office make Michael uneasy?

Describe Mr Crane’s demeanour as a dentist.

What is Michael’s concern regarding his dental treatment?

What does Mr Crane think about Michael’s feelings? What expression does he use to try to calm him?

Is this Michael’s first visit to see Mr Crane?

Where does Michael want to be instead?

What does Mr Crane show Michael?

Does Mr Crane want Michael to try the new anaesthetic?

What kind of patients usually use this anaesthetic?

Why does Michael agree to try the new anaesthetic?

What can Michael hear outside the window?

How does Michael feel immediately after Mr Crane gives him the injection?

What effect does the anaesthetic have on Michael’s body and mind?

What part of his body does Michael try to move?

What does he try to move next?

Describe Michael’s initial reaction when he realizes he can’t move.

Why does Michael become increasingly panicked?

How does Michael attempt to communicate his distress?

What was Michael’s first clue that something might be wrong with Mr Crane’s intentions?

Is there a nurse to help the dentist?

What actions does Mr Crane take after Michael’s paralysis becomes apparent?

What realization dawns upon Michael about the situation?

What does Mr Crane have in his hand?

What does he do with this object?

What is Michael’s reaction?

How does Mr Crane react to Michael’s initial attempts to move and call out?

What does Mr Crane do next after realizing the drug has taken effect?

What does Mr Crane do next?

Why does Mr Crane close the blind of the window?

True or False

Go over all the sentences below and say if they are true or false.

The correct answers can be found at the end of the lesson plan.

Michael is at the dentist.

Michael loves going to the dentist.

Michael feels comfortable and at ease while sitting in the dentist’s chair.

Mr Crane wears a white coat and has perfect white teeth.

Michael’s fear of going to the dentist is uncommon and rarely experienced by other patients.

Mr Crane doesn’t know Michael.

Michael needs a new filling for his tooth.

Mr Crane shows Michael a little vial.

Mr Crane introduces a new tooth cleaner to Michael.

Michael doesn’t want to try this new medicine.

It is during the daytime at the dentist’s.

Mr Crane lets Michael use the syringe on himself.

Michael feels relaxed and relieved of all worries and anxieties.

Michael can move his head and little finger after the painkiller is administered.

Michael cannot speak.

The nurse helps Mr Crane.

Mr Crane taps Michael’s gum with his finger.

Mr Crane closes the blind of the window to let more light into the room.

Michael becomes increasingly panicked and tries to scream for help.

Mr Crane expresses concern and tries to assist Michael when he realizes something is wrong.

Michael is able to call out to Mr Crane for help when he is paralysed.

Essential Vocabulary

Write down all the words and phrases in your vocabulary notebook. Look in your dictionary and find the meaning of each word. Write the definition next to each word.

Then make up your own sentences using each word or phrase.

For example:

Relaxed air — a calm and easygoing atmosphere or demeanour, promoting comfort and informality.

Scream — a noun and verb that refers to a loud and high-pitched vocal expression of intense emotion, often conveying fear, excitement, or distress.

Then write a sentence of your own that uses the new word or phrase correctly.

I entered the room of the party and was glad to see that the place had a very relaxed air.

The woman let out a scream when the man outside banged on the door.

Do this with all the vocabulary and, over time, this will help improve all your English skills — reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Discussion Questions

Have you ever had a similar experience at the dentist, where you felt nervous or uneasy? Can you share your story?

What is Michael’s feeling about going to the dentist?

Why does he feel like this?

Put yourself in Michael’s shoes. How would you feel and react if you were in his situation?

Describe the dentist, Mr Crane, and his attitude towards Michael. Does he seem like a nice person?

Has Michael been to visit Mr Crane before? What happened last time, do you think?

Is Mr Crane used to people being afraid? How do you know?

Mr Crane shows Michael a new anaesthetic. What is really in this little vial, do you think?

What do you think is the significance of the new anaesthetic being described as a “secret formula”?

Why do you think Michael decides to try the new anaesthetic despite his fear?

Why is there no nurse to help the dentist today?

Is Mr Crane a psychopath?

Or is Michael imagining it all?

Discuss the idea of trust in the story. Why does Michael initially trust Mr Crane, and how does this trust change over time?

Imagine you are one of the characters in the story — either Michael or Mr Crane. How would you describe your thoughts and feelings during the crucial moments?

What emotions and thoughts might have gone through Michael’s mind when he realized he couldn’t move or make a sound?

Why do you think Mr Crane chose to close the blind of the window before proceeding with his actions?

What do you think about this story?

Do you think it is realistic? Why/why not?

Do psychopaths live within our normal society? What do they do? What kind of jobs do they have?

This is a role play exercise.

This role has two characters:

2. Mr Crane

Take all the existing dialogue and use this as a basis for your role play.

You can add your own lines of dialogue if you wish, and you can change all the dialogue if you really want to, but in the end, you should have a complete role play to show the class.

Take some time to prepare and when you are ready, perform your role play in front of the class.

This is a survey activity.

Look at the questions below and ask these questions in class.

Try to evaluate the responses and talk about the outcomes.

For example; most people feel comfortable going to the dentist. Or; some people hate seeing the dentist.

How frequently do you visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings?

What is the main reason you typically schedule a dental appointment? (e.g., routine check-up, specific dental issue, cleaning)

How do you feel about visiting the dentist? (Very comfortable, somewhat comfortable, neutral, somewhat uncomfortable, very uncomfortable)

Have you ever experienced dental anxiety or fear before a dental appointment?

If yes, can you briefly describe what aspects of visiting the dentist make you anxious or fearful?

What strategies, if any, do you use to cope with dental anxiety or fear? (e.g., deep breathing, listening to music)

How important is the demeanour and communication style of the dentist and dental staff to make you feel comfortable during your visit?

Are there specific amenities or features in a dental office that help alleviate your anxiety or make you feel more comfortable? (e.g., soothing music, comfortable waiting area)

How well-informed do you feel about the procedures and treatments your dentist recommends?

Have you ever postponed or cancelled a dental appointment due to anxiety or fear?

If yes, what could have been done differently to encourage you to keep the appointment?

How likely are you to ask questions or voice your concerns to your dentist during a visit?

Have you ever sought professional help, such as therapy or counselling, to address dental anxiety or fear?

Do you find that the overall environment and decor of the dental office influence your comfort level?

How would you rate your overall dental experience in terms of comfort and anxiety level? (Very positive, somewhat positive, neutral, somewhat negative, very negative)

Are there specific dental procedures that cause you more anxiety than others? If so, please specify.

How important are online reviews and recommendations when choosing a new dentist?

Have you ever had a particularly positive or calming experience at the dentist? If yes, could you describe it briefly?

What suggestions do you have for dental offices to create a more comfortable and anxiety-free environment for their patients?

Overall, how satisfied are you with your current dentist and the care you receive?

Quiz — Are You a Psychopath?

This is just for fun! Or maybe not… Answer all the questions and find out if you or any of your classmates are psychopaths!

1. Do you never feel fear?

2. Do other people like you a lot?

3. Do you like to act spontaneously?

4. Do you lose interest in people and new interests quickly?

5. Do you think the idea of falling in love is silly?

6. Are you good at charming others?

7. Do you think money is the most important thing in the world?

8. Do you sometimes pretend to be nice to people, even though you don’t want to?

9. Do you think you are better than others?

10. Do you have the ability to be very polite when needed?

11. Do you find other people to be a little stupid sometimes?

12. Do you get bored easily?

13. Do you get jealous of other people sometimes?

14. Do you tell many lies?

15. Do you sometimes spend money on foolish things?

16. Have you ever cheated your family or friends?

17. Do you feel indifferent when people are sad?

18. If you get caught doing something wrong, do you feel no sense of shame or guilt?

19. Are you good at manipulating and/or exploiting others to get what you want?

20. Do you think you are an aggressive person?

21. Do you have few friends in your life?

22. Do you like to take risks?

23. Do you laugh at inappropriate moments?

24. If you answer ‘Yes’ to most of the questions, then you could be a psychopath!

Now discuss in the class.

Which people answered yes to most of the questions?

Do these people seem like psychopaths to you?

This is a creative writing exercise.

You are going to write a short story. It is a continuation of the story you read at the beginning of the lesson plan. The title of the story is:

The Dentist From Hell

Use the questions below to help you come up with some ideas.

• Does Mr Crane try to kill Michael?
• Is the pain all inside Michael’s head? If so, why?
• What does Mr Crane do when he finds that Michael cannot move or speak?
• Does someone come to help Michael?

Now write your story.

When you have finished writing, you can read it out loud in front of the class.

Or hand it to your teacher for review.

You can download the full lesson plan by clicking the link below!

You can also join my mailing list by clicking the link below. I will send you new guides, articles and lesson plans when I publish them.

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Related Posts

Gold – a Short Story for English Reading Comprehension

The Trick – a short story for English reading comprehension

The Egg – a short story for English reading comprehension

2 thoughts on “the dentist — a short story for english reading”.

I think this is a great story and an excellent topic for discussion. Going to a dentist is an inevitable experience we must all undergo and not too many people are thrilled about it! It is also en excellent opportunity to discuss fear and pain. I particularly liked the extension activities in this lesson as they opened new doorways and opportunities for additional related lessons.

Many thanks Leona, I am glad to hear your thoughts on this lesson. I am hoping to write more of these short story lesson plans in the future as I think they could be useful for students and make learning English fun.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Help | Advanced Search

Computer Science > Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition

Title: over-nav: elevating iterative vision-and-language navigation with open-vocabulary detection and structured representation.

Abstract: Recent advances in Iterative Vision-and-Language Navigation (IVLN) introduce a more meaningful and practical paradigm of VLN by maintaining the agent's memory across tours of scenes. Although the long-term memory aligns better with the persistent nature of the VLN task, it poses more challenges on how to utilize the highly unstructured navigation memory with extremely sparse supervision. Towards this end, we propose OVER-NAV, which aims to go over and beyond the current arts of IVLN techniques. In particular, we propose to incorporate LLMs and open-vocabulary detectors to distill key information and establish correspondence between multi-modal signals. Such a mechanism introduces reliable cross-modal supervision and enables on-the-fly generalization to unseen scenes without the need of extra annotation and re-training. To fully exploit the interpreted navigation data, we further introduce a structured representation, coded Omnigraph, to effectively integrate multi-modal information along the tour. Accompanied with a novel omnigraph fusion mechanism, OVER-NAV is able to extract the most relevant knowledge from omnigraph for a more accurate navigating action. In addition, OVER-NAV seamlessly supports both discrete and continuous environments under a unified framework. We demonstrate the superiority of OVER-NAV in extensive experiments.

Submission history

Access paper:.

• HTML (experimental)
• Other Formats

References & Citations

• Google Scholar
• Semantic Scholar

BibTeX formatted citation

Bibliographic and Citation Tools

Code, data and media associated with this article, recommenders and search tools.

• Institution

arXivLabs: experimental projects with community collaborators

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs .

A new type of bacteria was found in 50% of colon cancers. Many were aggressive cases.

A type of bacteria that causes dental plaque may be behind a treatment-resistant form of colorectal cancer, a study published Wednesday in the journal Nature found.

The particular bacterium, which appears to shield tumor cells from cancer-fighting drugs, was found in 50% of the tumors tested in the study. The discovery, experts say, could pave the way for new treatments and possibly new methods of screening.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and is expected to kill more than 53,000 people in the nation in 2024, according to the American Cancer Society . 

Rates are rising sharply among younger people: The percentage of people younger than 55 diagnosed with colon cancer almost doubled between 1995 and 2019, leaping from 11% to 20% of cases. What’s more, these cases are often diagnosed at later, more aggressive stages .

Experts are still struggling to explain the shift.

“Colorectal cancer is very treatable when caught early, but the cases in younger people are increasing and we don’t know why,” said Dr. Flavio Rocha, a surgical oncologist and physician in chief at the Oregon Health & Science University’s Knight Cancer Institute, who was not involved in the study. 

The new research doesn’t answer that question; it’s far too early to implicate this bacteria in the rise in cases in younger people . What’s more, most of the patients in the study were over the age of 50.

But the findings raise “the question as to whether there are elevated levels of this bacterium in young onset colorectal cancer which is on the rise globally for unknown reasons,” said co-lead study author Susan Bullman, an assistant professor of human biology at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle.

Bacteria with a secret

Scientists have suspected a link between the bacteria, called Fusobacterium nucleatum, and colorectal cancer growth for almost a decade. The bacteria is usually only found in the mouth, far from the colon. 

In the mouth, it’s one of the most common types of disease-causing bacteria , linked to gum disease and plaque buildup. But it was unclear how it could withstand the journey through the gut and eventually invade tumor cells in places in the body where these types of bacteria usually don’t survive.

In the study, Bullman and her colleagues looked at the bacterial makeup of almost 200 colorectal tumors, as well as stool samples from more than 1,200 people, half of whom did not have cancer. 

What they learned was that the bacteria was a bit more complicated than once thought. Namely, it has two distinct subspecies, one of which appears to shield colorectal tumors from cancer-fighting drugs. 

“It acts like a cloak,” Bullman said. 

Normally, immune cells called T-cells recognize and attack tumor cells. But this bacteria recruits another type of immune cell into the cancer cells, one that lets them escape the T-cells.

The stealthy subspecies was present in 50% of the colorectal tumors collected in the study. The corresponding stool samples also had elevated amounts of the subspecies, compared to their healthy counterparts. 

“Patients who have high levels of this bacteria in their colorectal tumors have a far worse prognosis ,” Bullman said. “They don’t respond as well to chemotherapy and they have an increased risk of recurrence.” 

The subspecies may also cause cancer to form in the first place. 

When Bullman and her team transplanted the subspecies to mice, they appeared to cause precancerous polyps to form, one of the first warning signs of colorectal cancer, though she added that this causation hasn’t yet been proven in humans.

The researchers also found clues that may answer the question as to how Fusobacterium nucleatum can get to the colon in the first place: The bacterium appears to be able to survive the journey through the stomach, withstanding what scientists previously thought would be a toxic dose of stomach acid. 

New targets for treatment

The discovery of the subspecies has huge consequences for targeted therapies that are already underway, said Dr. Michael White, an assistant professor of colorectal surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

“There is evidence that if you clear these bacteria, there is more response during treatment,” said White, who was not involved with the new research. Clinical trials are slated to soon test whether treating a patient with antibiotics prior to chemotherapy will induce a better response, he said.

Knowing more about which bacterial subspecies, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, are dangerous will allow for a more targeted approach, he said. 

That could potentially include prevention.

It’s possible that scientists could identify the subspecies while it’s still in the mouth and give a person antibiotics at that point, wiping it out before it could  travel  to the colon, Bullman said. Even if antibiotics can’t successfully eliminate the bacteria from the mouth, its presence there could serve as an indication that someone is at higher risk for aggressive colon cancer, she added. 

Rocha agreed. In the future, part of colorectal cancer screening could be as simple as a mouth swab, he said. 

Understanding the newly identified subspecies could also lead to the development of new antibiotics that would specifically target this bacterial subtype, rather than wiping out both forms of the bacteria or all of the bacteria in the mouth.

There’s also the possibility of harnessing the bacteria to do the cancer-fighting work. 

The subtype has already proven that it can enter cancer cells quite easily, so it might be possible to genetically modify the bacteria to carry cancer-fighting drugs directly into the tumors, Bullman said.

Researchers are just beginning to scratch the surface of the ways a person’s microbiome plays a role in the individual’s cancer risk, Rocha said, but it’s one of the most important concepts being explored in cancer research today.

Kaitlin Sullivan is a contributor for NBCNews.com who has worked with NBC News Investigations. She reports on health, science and the environment and is a graduate of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at City University of New York.